Today is day two of the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation at the Town n’ Country Mall.

As of 5 p.m. on Friday, May 5 a total of $192,198 was raised this year.

This bring the 17 year total raised at the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon to over $5 million.

Day two began will a special announcement from Kelly McElree, Executive Director of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation.

"Today, all day, a private donor will match dollar for dollar up to $50,000. When you make a donation to the Family First Radiothon today it's doubled," says McElree noting all this donor wants to do is help.

Just before the 11 a.m. total, Gibson Energy announced a huge donation of $15,000.

Just before 4 p.m., Leroy from Leroy and Leroy presented the 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon with a cheque for $40,000 which was raised earlier this year through Healthcare Rocks.

You can donate to the Radiothon by visiting the Moose Jaw Health Foundation website, stopping by in person at the mall or by calling 691-GIVE (4483).

This year’s goal is to raise $150,000 in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation to purchase new equipment for the emergency room and Intensive Care Unit at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. 

Some of the equipment the health foundation is looking to purchase includes a specialized critical care bed, an ultrasound probe and a QuickThaw Plasma System.

Local physician Dr. Caitlyn Howe explained how this new equipment impacts the lives of those in Moose Jaw.

"To be able to provide that elevated level of care to people really does change their outcomes and it allows them to stay close to home without having to be transferred every time they might need that little extra bit of support," said Dr. Howe.

Former Moose Jaw Health Foundation Chair James Murdock said having the latest in technology in our hospital will help recruit healthcare professionals to our community. 

“With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, that will help in attracting healthcare professionals to make Moose Jaw their home," Murdock remarked. "Anything we can do to attract [healthcare professionals] definitely benefits everyone, and it starts with raising the dollars through the radiothon and other events that allow us to make those purchases for the community and surrounding rural areas.” 

Respiratory therapist Deign Salido said every dollar counts when it comes to donations. 

"All the money stays in Moose Jaw and it’s helping your community out. "Sometimes the pennies are tight, and every little bit helps. Community involvement is essential to making the lives better in our community,” Salido said.

- with files from Shawn Slaght.